Lair of the White Worm eBook

Seeing where the head of the monster was, the two
men ventured a little further forward, and saw that
the hidden mass at the base of the shaft was composed
of vast coils of the great serpent’s body, forming
a base from which the upright mass rose. As
they looked, this lower mass moved, the glistening
folds catching the moonlight, and they could see that
the monster’s progress was along the ground.
It was coming towards them at a swift pace, so they
turned and ran, taking care to make as little noise
as possible, either by their footfalls or by disturbing
the undergrowth close to them. They did not
stop or pause till they saw before them the high dark
tower of Doom.

CHAPTER XXIII—­IN THE ENEMY’S HOUSE

Sir Nathaniel was in the library next morning, after
breakfast, when Adam came to him carrying a letter.

“Her ladyship doesn’t lose any time.
She has begun work already!”

Sir Nathaniel, who was writing at a table near the
window, looked up.

“What is it?” said he.

Adam held out the letter he was carrying. It
was in a blazoned envelope.

“Ha!” said Sir Nathaniel, “from
the White Worm! I expected something of the
kind.”

“But,” said Adam, “how could she
have known we were here? She didn’t know
last night.”

“I don’t think we need trouble about that,
Adam. There is so much we do not understand.
This is only another mystery. Suffice it that
she does know—­perhaps it is all the better
and safer for us.”

“How is that?” asked Adam with a puzzled
look.

“General process of reasoning, my boy; and the
experience of some years in the diplomatic world.
This creature is a monster without heart or consideration
for anything or anyone. She is not nearly so
dangerous in the open as when she has the dark to
protect her. Besides, we know, by our own experience
of her movements, that for some reason she shuns publicity.
In spite of her vast bulk and abnormal strength, she
is afraid to attack openly. After all, she is
only a snake and with a snake’s nature, which
is to keep low and squirm, and proceed by stealth
and cunning. She will never attack when she can
run away, although she knows well that running away
would probably be fatal to her. What is the
letter about?”

Sir Nathaniel’s voice was calm and self-possessed.
When he was engaged in any struggle of wits he was
all diplomatist.

“She asks Mimi and me to tea this afternoon
at Diana’s Grove, and hopes that you also will
favour her.”

Sir Nathaniel smiled.

“Please ask Mrs. Salton to accept for us all.”

“She means some deadly mischief. Surely—­surely
it would be wiser not.”

“It is an old trick that we learn early in diplomacy,
Adam—­to fight on ground of your own choice.
It is true that she suggested the place on this occasion;
but by accepting it we make it ours. Moreover,
she will not be able to understand our reason for
doing so, and her own bad conscience—­if
she has any, bad or good—­and her own fears
and doubts will play our game for us. No, my
dear boy, let us accept, by all means.”